Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has beaten 12 other major ferry companies to be named "Best Ferry Company" in the 24th prestigious Guardian and Observer Travel Awards.

The award was just one of 22 categories under which readers were asked to rate the quality of service they received on their holidays across the world.

The award was presented to Caledonian MacBrayne Commercial Manager Alasdair Henderson, by BBC newsreader Huw Edwards, at a glittering ceremony in Cardiff Castle attended by nearly 100 representatives of the global travel industry. Speaking after the presentation Alasdair said "Last year we came third so it was a nail biting wait to hear us called up as winners, and I was delighted to collect the award on behalf of all the team at CalMac"

CalMac Managing Director Phil Preston said:"We are absolutely thrilled to have received this award which recognises the huge effort our staff put in day after day to give customers’ the best service they can. I am sure staff will also be greatly reassured that their efforts are recognised by the people who really count - the customers - at a time when ferry services are under the microscope and they are understandably concerned and uncertain about what the outcome of the ferries review will be."

Ends.
Notes to Editors

1. Further information about Caledonian MacBrayne is available at www.calmac.co.uk
2. Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL). These names are used under licence from Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). The lion rampant device is used by CFL with the permission of CMAL.
 
For further information, contact:
David Cannon
Public Affairs Manager
David MacBrayne Ltd
(on behalf of Caledonian MacBrayne)
Tel: 01475 650371
Mob: 07595 092332
david.cannon@calmac.co.uk